House Democrats took their boycott over right-to-work legislation to the public on Wednesday.
Democrats set up chairs in the Statehouse rotunda and addressed a lively crowd of the bill’s protestors who encircled their meeting chanting “Power to the People” and waving signs.
Upstairs the House officially put in place $1,000 per day fines against the absent Democrats. A majority of Democrats stayed in the rotunda so not enough members were present for the House to conduct business.
“That’s a lot of money for even the wealthier ones of the General Assembly,” said state Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, of the fines.
But Brown said he felt boycotting the floor was important to continue to educate the public about the possibility of a statewide referendum over right to work.
Democrats had intended to offer the amendment on Tuesday but those plans changed after research conducted by the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency questioned the constitutionality of a statewide referendum.
“Without a doubt there was some games being played about whether the amendment that was prepared and ready to be introduced was one that would be accepted,” Brown said.
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he felt it was time for fines, which take effect immediately.
Most House committee hearings scheduled for Wednesday were cancelled as the impasse over the potential of Indiana becoming the 23rd right-to-work state continued. Wednesday marked the sixth day Democrats have boycotted the floor in the first three weeks of the Indiana General Assembly session.
Bosma said the Republican-controlled House has given Democrats an extensive amount of time and called their actions a delay tactic.
“It’s been my continued hope that common sense would prevail,” Bosma said.
Bauer said Democrats need time to perfect an amendment that is constitutional before coming to the House floor.
State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, said Democrats are working with attorneys to explore the constitutionality of a referendum over right to work.
“Everything is day to day,” Lawson said, “and everything comes to a discussion in that caucus.”